Ben A. Wadsworth Jr.

(CHARLESTON, S.C.) Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Ben A. Wadsworth Jr., 86, of Charleston, widower of Patricia Ann Wadsworth, died Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, at Brookdale Senior Living.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24, at St. Andrew’s Church, Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Burial with military honors will follow at Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at James A. McAlister Funeral Home, Charleston.

Ben was born Jan. 31, 1930, in Rock Mills, Ala., the son of Ben Awbrey Wadsworth Sr. and Marinel Bonner Wadsworth. His mother died when he was a young boy, and his stepmother, Anne Wadsworth, raised him. Ben was a mentor and teacher to children at Addleston Hebrew Academy. He taught science and history from 1985-2005. Ben was a life member, Master Mason. He attended Auburn University, graduated from The United States Naval Academy in 1953 and also attended the Military War College. He received his MBA degree from Stanford University, as well as his master’s in teaching from the Citadel. Ben retired in 1981 after serving 32 years in the U.S. Navy, including time as midshipman. During his time in the Navy, he served during the Vietnam War. He rose to O-6, Captain, and commanded the Naval Supply Depot in Yokosuka, Japan, from 1975-1977 and was assistant comptroller of the Navy from 1977-1980.

Ben is survived by three sons, Gregory Pickett Wadsworth, Andrew Bonner Wadsworth Sr. and Randolph Awbrey Meade Wadsworth; his daughter-in-law, Donna M. Wadsworth; two grandchildren and a step-grandson; a sister, Betty Wadsworth Doan; two nephews and a niece.

Memorials contributions may be made to St. Andrew’s Church,

440 Whilden St., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464. His guestbook may be signed at www.CharlestonFunerals.com.

James A. McAlister Funeral Home, Charleston.